Sending food and other essentials to a loved one in a New York State correctional facility can be confusing, especially if this is your first time ordering an inmate package.
What can you send? How much food is allowed? Does the package have to come from a vendor? And how do you make sure your order meets NYS DOCCS package requirements?
At CIG Essentials, we specialize in serving families with loved ones in New York State correctional facilities. Here's what you should know before sending a package.
Can You Send Packages to Inmates in New York State?
Yes, but New York State has specific rules about where packages can come from.
Under current NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) rules, incarcerated individuals may receive packages shipped directly from vendors through carriers such as UPS, FedEx and the U.S. Postal Service.
Family and friends can order from a vendor and have the vendor ship the package directly to their loved one at the correctional facility. Current rules also allow family and friends to personally send up to two non-food packages per year.
How Many Food Packages Can a NYS Inmate Receive?
Under current NYS DOCCS guidance, an incarcerated individual is generally allowed:
Up to 3 food packages per month
with a
Combined maximum weight of 40 pounds per month.
There are exceptions for certain incarcerated individuals and programs, so families should always verify their loved one's current package eligibility before ordering.
It's important to keep track of packages being sent from different vendors. The monthly weight limit applies to the combined food packages received—not just an individual order.
What Food Can You Send to an Inmate in NYS?
NYS DOCCS has specific requirements concerning food, ingredients, preparation and packaging.
Depending on the product, allowable foods can include items such as:
- Ready-to-eat meats
- Cooked, cured or smoked seafood without shells
- Cheese
- Bread and other approved bakery products
- Snacks
- Beverages and drink mixes
- Fresh fruits
- Fresh vegetables
- Coffee and tea
- Other commercially packaged foods that meet applicable requirements
DOCCS rules prohibit certain foods and packaging. For example, food cannot contain alcohol or poppy seeds, frozen foods are prohibited, and glass containers aren't allowed. With limited exceptions such as fresh fruits and vegetables, food generally must be commercially packaged and have a commercially printed ingredient list.
Because requirements can vary by product, always check the current DOCCS allowable-items list before purchasing something you're unsure about.
What Information Do You Need to Send an Inmate Package?
Before placing an order, make sure you have the correct information for your loved one.
You should have their:
Full name
DIN (Department Identification Number)
Correctional facility
Correct facility shipping address
The DIN is the identifying number assigned to an individual admitted into NYS DOCCS custody.
Double-check this information before completing an order. Accurate recipient information helps prevent delays and delivery problems.
Ordering Food for a NYS Inmate Through CIG Essentials
CIG Essentials makes it easier for families to shop for food and everyday essentials for loved ones in New York State correctional facilities.
Our selection includes a variety of products such as fully cooked meats, chicken, seafood, cheeses, breakfast foods, beverages, snacks, fruits and vegetables, personal-care products, clothing and other essentials.
Instead of trying to determine whether an ordinary online retailer understands correctional-facility shipping, families can shop with a business focused specifically on serving the needs of NYS correctional-facility families.
How Does CIG Essentials Ship Perishable Food?
Shipping perishable food requires additional care.
CIG Essentials ships meats, cheeses, and other temperature-sensitive products in thermally insulated chilled boxes with ice cells.
We also schedule our shipments around the correctional-facility delivery process to help reduce the possibility of perishable packages sitting over a weekend.
Our goal is to help your loved one's order arrive securely while providing families with a more convenient way to shop.
What Happens When the Package Arrives at the Facility?
Packages entering a NYS correctional facility are subject to facility inspection and applicable DOCCS rules.
Items that do not meet package requirements may not be accepted. DOCCS also states that spoiled foods and products received in broken, leaking or contaminated containers are considered a health risk and can be destroyed by the facility.
That's another reason it's important to purchase appropriate products and use suitable packaging when sending food.
Always Check Current NYS DOCCS Package Rules
Package rules can change, and exceptions may apply depending on an individual's status or program.
For example, DOCCS identifies special circumstances involving reception status, loss-of-package sanctions, in-transit status and certain programs. Individuals in reception status generally cannot receive packages for the first 30 days.
If you're uncertain about your loved one's eligibility or a particular product, check the current NYS DOCCS rules or contact the correctional facility before ordering.
Shop NYS Inmate Packages With CIG Essentials
Supporting someone in a New York State correctional facility already comes with enough responsibilities. Shopping for food and everyday essentials shouldn't have to make things more difficult.
CIG Essentials is focused on serving families with loved ones in New York State correctional facilities.
From fully cooked foods and fresh options to snacks, beverages, clothing and everyday essentials, we're here to make shopping and sending packages easier.
Looking for more help with NYS inmate food packages?
Learn what food you can send to an inmate in New York State, including meats, seafood, cheese, breakfast foods, snacks and important packaging considerations.
Families who receive SNAP benefits can also learn how to use EBT/SNAP to shop for food for NYS inmates through the CIG Essentials Walmart+ & Sam’s Club Premier Pickup Service.
CIG Essentials
Serving Families in NYS Correctional Facilities.
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